Madison and Monroe Schools Earns Blue Ribbon Awards for P.E. Program

Both Madison School and Monroe School have earned the Blue Ribbon Schools Award from the Illinois Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). The designation, which is effective for a five-year period (2013-2018), followed a review of the physical education programs, visits to the schools, interviews with staff, students, parents, administration and Board members, as well as consideration by a state-level panel. The award recognizes the best physical education and health programs in the state; all Illinois public, parochial and alternative schools are eligible. During the review process, the school curriculum was measured against state and national professional standards and those of the Illinois State Board of Education. 

Maureen Fournier, chairperson of the IAHPERD Blue Ribbon Committee, stated to the schools, "Your dedication to your students and the physical education program is to be commended. As a recipient of this award, your school and staff will be a model of excellence in the state and provide encouragement for all schools in their pursuits to develop rigorous and effective physical education programs. You should be very proud of your program and we thank you for all the effort you have made to share it with others."

Madison’s Blue Ribbon team included P.E. teachers Jessica Czerniuk and Joan Rickert. Principal Melinda D. McMahon said that she recognizes the passion shown among staff and parents who collaborate to reinforce physical education objectives. “Daily, we see our students striving to accomplish our shared goals with such enthusiasm. The impact of Mrs. Rickert’s and Mrs. Czernuik’s leadership and insightful planning was evidenced with the IAHPERD Blue Ribbon.”

Monroe Principal Dawn Benaitis shared a similar sentiment about her school’s P.E. teachers Lori Andreoni and Judy Tiggelaar. "Ms. Tiggelaar and Mrs. Andreoni worked collaboratively for over a year to prepare for this high honor. The Blue Ribbon Award is the highest nationally recognized award that a department can receive. I have the fortunate honor to see on a day-to-day basis the programming that is provided to our students, and I am thrilled that they are being honored for their programming, hard work, and dedication to students.”

Andreoni and Tiggelaar note, “The IAHPERD Blue Ribbon award reflects a team effort at Monroe School. We are fortunate to be able teach such enthusiastic students. The parent community has been both generous and supportive of our physical education program, which we truly appreciate. Our colleagues at Monroe have always been willing to collaborate on projects that enrich the physical education experience for our students. Ms. Benaitis has provided leadership and much encouragement through the yearlong application process. The efforts of all made receiving this award possible.”

Czerniuk and Rickert also acknowledged their colleagues and school community. “We sincerely thank all of our administrators, teachers, staff and parents who work together as a team to support our vision that all children will be healthy, confident, lifelong movers."

Both schools will receive a large banner, a plaque and certificate and will be featured in the Illinois IAHPERD Journal.